Geographic Numbers

01 & 02 number ranges get categorised as geographic or local telephone numbers and are, therefore, destination-specific, charged at a local rate. That’s great news, especially for businesses wanting to disclose their locality and for callers wanting to dial a low-cost contact number.

Despite affordable and often free alternative 08 and 03 prefixes – available to browse on our homepage – some callers still view local area codes as being the most cost-effective option. What’s more, when it comes to trust, many like the familiarity of dialling a local telephone number at a guaranteed local rate.

Although 08 or 03 prefixes provide an impressive UK-wide presence, there are ways in which 01 & 02s can also achieve a similar effect.

For example:

Holidaymakers that are booking a trip away from the UK typically prefer to deal with a local travel firm. However, not all companies physically occupy outlets in multiple locations. That’s not a problem, with strategically placed geographic numbers throughout the UK (routed to one main number) the appearance of a local service is still achievable – from wherever your customers are calling.

01 Numbers

The most common geographic number in the UK, which is used across many different regions. Outside of London especially, this is the phone number that you are most likely to have as your landline telephone – and can help you and your business get a reach in local areas, especially in regions where business being nearby is important.

02 Numbers

Although 02 numbers are mainly associated with London, there are also regions outside of the capital that have this as their main prefix. If you would like to give the impression that you are based in London or the surrounding areas – or if you would like additional telephone numbers for marketing purposes – then an 02 number is perfect for you.

Dialling 01 numbers and 02 numbers – changes from Oct 1st, 2014

The way many of us dial our local area code is changing across five specified UK destinations. On 1st October 2014 there will be the requirement for some residents of stated localities to dial their local area code when dialling from a landline or mobile.

Why is this and who will it effect?

If you live in:

Aberdeen (01224) – also covering western areas, for instance, Westhill

…you will be required to enter the local area code before the main regular phone number.

The reason for this is quite simply that Ofcom and telecom companies are running out of numbers beginning with a 0 or 1. So, rather than omitting the prefix as previously done, the areas above will have to get dialling those local digits. That’s what we have always done from mobiles, and it is going to become increasingly common from landlines too. Changes are occurring in these 5 locations to combat shortages. Approximately 200,000 numbers will get made readily available for telecom companies to distribute accordingly.

The official switchover for dialling differently is the 1st October. However, callers are encouraged to get into the habit as soon as possible.

To make that transition easier, we have answered some of the questions likely to arise

How will this affect local call costs?

Dialling your local area code will not have an influence over the price of the call.

What about my existing phone number?

Your current digits will not change, the only difference will be the constant attachment of the local prefix.

Is this definitely going to work?

Ofcom established this process in Bournemouth (November 2012), and the result was extremely positive. In fact, 94% of residents were said to be not concerned with such changes.

Are other areas going to change too?

Apart from the 5 locations listed, there are no immediate plans to make the transition in any other areas. This situation is purely due to the fact there are no shortages elsewhere at the moment.

How will residents be made aware of the new system?

Don’t worry, all residents will be made fully aware of what is happening and when. Together with telecom companies, Ofcom will ensure people get informed in good time.

Also, if you do happen to dial forgetting to enter the local area code, there will be a short courtesy message in place as a quick reminder.